Question 233 of 433
Do aspirin, vitamin D, or supplements prevent cancer?
The short answer
No supplement is established as broad cancer prevention for the general population, and some high-dose products raise risk. Specific clinical indications need separate evaluation. Aspirin is no longer recommended for cancer prevention in the general population.
In large trials, vitamin D did not reduce the number of cancers, though there was a hint of fewer cancer deaths. High-dose beta-carotene raised lung cancer in smokers, and vitamin E raised prostate cancer. Aspirin may lower colon cancer risk over many years, but the bleeding risk outweighs it for most people; it remains useful in certain inherited syndromes.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST HUMAN TRIALS — General-population supplements do not establish broad cancer prevention; selected exceptions need clinical indications.Evidence grade (draft mapping)ARobust human trialsPart 16, Q233 · Sources: R2
Sources cited
- R2 Demay MB et al. Vitamin D for the Prevention of Disease: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2024;109:1907–1947. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgae290. PubMed 38828931DOI 10.1210/clinem/dgae290✓ Verified
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.